Daily Treasure

“But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:51-52).

I would have liked to have met Paul and Barnabas during the time of the early church. They were filled with the Spirit and preached with boldness even though their message wasn’t always received. They trusted God and were led by the Spirit to take the Good News of the gospel to those who had never heard. When they went to places that didn’t welcome their message, they knew they had done their part. It wasn’t that the people rejected them, it was God the people were rejecting. Paul and Barnabas could leave town and “shake off the dust” knowing they had done their best. They shouldn’t get discouraged. They would just go on to another town. However, they always managed to leave behind some new converts that were “filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.” Paul and Barnabas hadn’t failed so they had something to rejoice about as well.

Your witness or testimony may not always be well-received, but you can rejoice, knowing you did your part to bring someone to Christ.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray God will give you a thirst for His Word–the best tool for combating the enemy.

“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24)

The man described in our verse today was named Barnabas. Barnabas was called on to help with the new converts at Antioch. His heart was stirred by what God was doing. That gave him the zeal to encourage believers to stay close to the Lord no matter what the cost. Many people were won to the Lord because they saw evidence of the Holy
Spirit in the life of Barnabas. Barnabas could hardly wait to go and find Paul. They were going to become a dynamic duo for the cause of Christ because they were filled and led.

Isn’t it amazing what can be accomplished in spreading the gospel when people, filled with the Spirit, are obedient to follow wherever He leads.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the many children undergoing treatment for cancer. Let parents know you are praying that God will give them strength during this time.

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55).

One of the most brilliant examples of evidence of the Spirit was found in the life of one of the first deacons, Stephen. He preached an unpopular message with boldness. He seemed unstoppable in his passion for souls. As we look back on his life and tearfully at his death, we see evidence of the Holy Spirit. The only way to silence him was to take his life. As he suffered martyrdom, his face beamed as he looked into Heaven and saw Jesus.

We may never have to give our life for the cause of Christ, but when our departure is at hand; will we leave a glowing testimony?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: College students are well into their school year. Pray for direction in their lives.

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).

The last part of our October Bible study deals with the subject “Evidences of the Holy Spirit.” The writer of the study states in her opening remarks “Because the Holy Spirit indwells us as believers, His presence should be evident. Evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives manifests itself as holiness and love.” Think of the people that have walked in and out of your life through the years that have showed such evidence. I am very grateful as I recall those who have walked through mine.

The Bible records those who showed evidence of the Holy Spirit. For today I chose those who were elected the first deacons of the early church. The apostles had their hands full with responsibilities that were taking their toll on the time they spent in prayer and preaching. They needed men of God with the credentials mentioned in today’s verse. It was very evident that the seven, who were elected and then ordained by the apostles, were the right ones for the job. The fact they were filled with the Holy Ghost made the decision of the church and the apostles easier. These would be men they could trust because they were under the control of the Holy Spirit. Can it be said of you that people trust you because they see evidence of the Spirit in your life?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: We have many caregivers in our ranks who need daily prayer.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

I have said for years that the last part of this scripture “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” is my life story. I know, from experience, that God will provide because He always has. The unbelief part comes in with trusting His timing. I am an impatient person. I want to pray for His will, but I want Him to answer immediately. His timing is definitely not my timing.

If you struggle with this same “sin,” I hope you will learn, as I am, to trust Him no matter what and when.

Diane Conn
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Ask God to direct you to a person who needs a word of encouragement today.

I’ve been listening to the group Selah for a few weeks now; a lot of their songs really speak out to situations in my life. They sing a song called, “You Are My Hiding Place,” and it says, “You are my hiding place, you always fill my heart with songs of deliverance; whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you, I will trust in you, Let the weak say I am strong, in the strength of the Lord.” Those are the lyrics of the entire song and they sing them through about three times, but the melody of the music is powerful in combination with the intensity of the message. Psalm 32:7, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” What rest is in the thought that when I am overwhelmed, God will bestow one more measure of grace, one more measure of strength, for one more day.

Karyn Pugh
Student at FWBBC: Nashville, TN

PRAY TOGETHER: Prayerfully consider mentoring a new Christian in your local church or neighborhood.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us…” (Ephesians 5:1-2a).

Our scripture today best sums up how we can keep from grieving the Spirit. We should do as in today’s title “Imitate Christ.” Little children mimic what they see and hear. That is how they learn and grow in this world. As Christians, we learn and grow in Christ as we “mimic” Him. Daily communion with Him will help in this process. When we find ourselves in uncertain circumstances, we must ask ourselves, “How would Jesus handle this?” We should desire to be like Him in every facet of our life. We will find no better example on how to live our life. “Walk in love,” knowing He walks beside us and His Spirit is there to guide our every step.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for our military serving around the world. Thanksgiving and Christmas can be lonely times away from home and family.